A progressive group has launched a signature campaign opposing the planned Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, saying it has already gathered more than 500,000 signatures through an online petition.

The group said the number of signatories reflects strong public resistance to what it described as a controversial development, adding that the government should not ignore the growing opposition.

The campaign aims to halt the proposed establishment of Pax Silica facilities in the area, citing concerns raised by sectors critical of the project.

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Earlier, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) clarified that the Pax Silica project will not involve the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, contrary to circulating claims.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said the development will instead focus on facilities for manufacturing semiconductors, chips and other advanced technology products.

Bingcang also noted that misconceptions persist about the project’s purpose, emphasizing that the country currently lacks sufficient power and water supply to support large-scale data center operations.

“Mayroon po sanang gustong tumingin sa lugar na iyan na hyperscale data center... Pinag-aralan niya ang lugar nang mga two months, pero umalis siya. Pinili niya ang Malaysia [dahil] wala tayong kuryente,” Bingcang said.

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